3 games in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and with the league leaders Netherton United Ladies not in action it was another opportunity for the chasing sides to try and close the gap at the top.
St Ives Town Ladies moved back above Newmarket Town Ladies into 2nd spot with a home win against March Town United Ladies on Sunday. Winning the game 3-0 thanks to goals from Hannah Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe and Tierney Coulson. Move to within 6 points of Netherton United with 3 games in hand on the leaders.
Newmarket Town Ladies closed the gap on Netherton United Ladies too on Sunday but by just the single point after they were held to a goalless draw away to ICA Sports Ladies, the Peterborough based side steadily improving picking up some useful results. Newmarket are 7 points back from Netherton United with 2 games in hand.
Also in the Premiership, Cambridge City Ladies Development were at home to Cambridge University Women on Sunday the visitors taking an early lead through Amanda Wainwright. Cambridge City had goalkeeper Jennifer Jamieson to thank for keeping the scoreline down to a single goal at the break and although Cambridge University pushed hard for more goals in the 2nd half, Cambridge City’s young players found the resolve to keep them out and counter to score an equaliser to take a point from the game, Yasmin Crow on target scoring to make it 1-1.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
2 matches played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday. Riverside Ladies building on last weekends opening win made it 2 from 2 with a big away result against bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies. A Peterborough derby this one Sophie Harris top scoring for Riverside netting 5 goals. Samantha Woodham and Jade Ramm both scoring a brace with Zoe Lenton, Jess Hill and Jordan Sampson also on target in a 12-0 win.
4th placed Hungate Rovers Ladies move onto 10 points as they secured their 3rd win of the season away to Spalding United Ladies on Sunday. Kelsey McKenna scoring twice in the game (one from the penalty spot) with Ewelina Jerzak also getting on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup
One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup with Histon Ladies home match against Wisbech Town Ladies postponed for a 2nd Sunday and Wisbech St Mary Ladies awarded an away win against Burwell Tigers. Championship South leaders, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds were hosting Premiership bottom side Park Ladies for a place in the next round. Marie Stubbings is in blazing goal scoring form for Fulbourn and she continued to find the back of the net this Sunday getting another hat-trick to move her onto 30 goals for the season. Stacey Kemp was also on target for two goals with Marcela Mundz also getting a goal in a 6-1 win to see the home side progress.
Cup action all the way in Essex this Sunday with weather affecting the County Cup and Trophy competitions last weekend rearranged along with action from the 2nd Round of the League Cup too.
In the Essex Women’s County Cup, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, 2nd in ERWFL Division One South were hosting Essex Women’s Premier Division side Corringham Cosmos. A 1st half hat-trick from Georgia Fraser seeing Little Thurrock leading 3-1 at the break. Corringham coming back against their higher league opponents in the 2nd half to level the scores at 3-3. Into stoppage time and Eloise Ives found the back of the net to win the game 4-3 for Little Thurrock and send them through to the semi-finals.
The semi-final draw for the Essex Women’s County Cup is as follows:-
Brentwood Town Ladies v Writtle Ladies
C&K Basildon Ladies v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies
Both semi-finals scheduled to be played Sunday 18th February
Essex Women’s Trophy
Hutton Ladies were already through to the semi-finals of the Essex Women’s Trophy competition beating Collier Row Tigers 2-1. Also advancing through to the semi-finals are ERWFL Division One North side Silver End United Ladies after Hutton Ladies Reserves side couldn’t field a team.
That left 2 quarter finals to be contested. Essex Women’s Trophy holders Frontiers Ladies were at home drawn against fellow Essex Women’s Premier Division side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Goals from Sharon Ferguson and Kelly Holsworth along with and own goal sealing a 3-1 victory for Frontiers to put them into the semi-finals. Sarah Taylor scoring the Beacon Hill Rovers goal.
In the other quarter final tie in the Trophy competition it was an all Essex Women’s Division One affair with Rayleigh Town Ladies taking on Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. A tough day at the office for Chelmsford City up against a side in hot goal scoring form. Holly Gash pipped by a single goal to top scorer spot last time out wasn’t outdone this time around as she netted herself 4 goals in the game. Captain Isabelle Wallings wasn’t far behind however getting a hat-trick as did teammate Lily Aungier. Eleasha Reeves getting a brace, their were goals too for Francesca Browne, Anna Winfield and Megan Hurley in a 15-0 win to put Rayleigh Town onto the semi-finals.
That sees the draw for the semi-finals of the Essex Women’s Trophy look as follows again the games scheduled to be played Sunday 18th February:-
Silver End United Ladies v Frontiers Ladies
Hutton Ladies v Rayleigh Town Ladies
Essex Women’s League Cup
A disrupted fixture list in the 2nd Round of the Essex Women’s League Cup with a few ties rolled over due to last weekends County and Trophy postponements. 3 ties were played however with last season’s beaten finalists Collier Row Tigers at home to fellow Essex Women’s Premier Division side Chelmsford City Ladies on Sunday. The hosts scoring through,Laura Bunton, Emma Harrison and Helen Moreira to win the game 3-1 to reach the quarter finals. Georgia Sleep with the goal for Chelmsford City.
Two sides with plenty of goals in them as Premier Division side Lawford Ladies faced a potential banana skin at home to Division One high flyers, Leigh Ramblers Ladies. As it was a brace from Jasmine Cox moving her onto 14 goals for the season was enough to send Lawford through to the quarter finals of the League Cup with a 2-0 win.
Essex Women’s Division One side, Benfleet Villa Ladies went into half-time in their home 2nd Round League Cup tie against Premier Division side with a goalless scoreline under their belts. in the end just a single goal was enough to win the tie going in the end to the visitors Harlow Town Ladies Reserves getting the result to send them through to the quarter finals, Tegan Burling getting the all important goal.
Just the 2 games in Suffolk this Sunday but they were HUGE! The semi-finals of this season’s Women’s League Cup, won by Ipswich Town Ladies Development last season a new name will be on the trophy this time around.
East Bergholt United Ladies reached the final last season at the expense of there semi-final opponents this Sunday Bacton United Ladies. A contest between 1st and 2nd in the league too with East Bergholt the host side. Leading 2-0 at half-time East Bergholt United went on to score twice more in the 2nd half to reach their 2nd successive League Cup final with a 4-0 win. Jessica Clark scoring twice in the match there were goals to for Annie Northwood and Millie Wilding.
In the other semi-final Coplestonians Ladies were hosting AFC Kesgrave Ladies new to the league this season both looking to reach the League Cup final for the 1st time. The visitors scoring through Ashley Bustos, Jade Fox and Daisy Starsmoore to win the game 3-0 and see Kesgrave reach the final in their debut season.
Date and venue for the Suffolk Women’s League Cup final to be announced. Usually a mid-week affair will update as soon as I have the information. Well done to both East Bergholt United and AFC Kesgrave Ladies.
Semi-finals time in the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, delayed a week due to the poor weather affecting the region last weekend. It was a repeat of last years final with Stevenage Ladies winners last season at home to Royston Town Ladies. A league between the sides FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage had the better of the 1st half but were unable to find the back of the net against their ERWFL Premier Division opponents. A goal early in the 2nd have set Stevenage on their way to victory, Ashleigh Deacon putting the ball into the back of the net, more chances followed before Stevenage doubled their lead, Leah Littlechild getting the goal. A penalty scored by Chloe Gunn sealing a 3-0 win and sending Stevenage into their 4th successive final the aim this year to try a successfully defend the trophy.
Stevenage’s opponents in this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup final will be Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies reaching the final for the 1st time. The ERWFL Division One South side at home to Beds & Herts Women’s Division One leaders, St Albans Ladies in the semi-finals. St Albans 8 months unbeaten going into the match. Two goals from Natasha Crick with a goal each for Kristina O’Connell, Rosy Wodhams and Charley Handley seeing Hoddesdon win the game 5-2 to reach the final. Eleanor Lovelock and Jordan Williamson with the 2nd half strikes for St Albans.
The Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final will be played on the 11th March at the County Ground in Letchworth. Women’s Football East will be there.
Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup
It was quarter finals weekend in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup competition again delayed due to the poor weather last weekend. Bedford Ladies already through due to Sandy Ladies folding earlier in the season that left 3 ties to be contested.
It was as far apart in the women’s football pyramid as you could get in one quarter final with Luton Town Ladies, Bedfordshire’s premier women’s side playing in FAWPL South East Division One and holders of the County Cup away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets on Sunday. Luton winning comfortably to progress, Natasha Fensome top scoring in the game with 5 goals. Nicola Henman netting a hat-trick, there was a brace each for Kim Farrow and Dionne Manning. Also getting a goal each in the game were, Lisa Nixon, Rachel Kosky, Jess McKay, Stephanie Gale and Zara Carroll the final score 17-0.
Luton Town Ladies Development side were also in action in the quarter finals of the County Cup drawn away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies. Luton were leading the game 1-0 when the game was stopped due to a serious injury to Houghton’s Ciara Craig an ambulance called the game abandoned. Terrible news and Women’s Football East wishes Ciara all the best for a speedy and full recovery. The game rescheduled.
ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies were also taking on Beds & Herts Women’s Division One opponents in the quarter finals of the County Cup, Sharnbrook WFC the visitors to Creasey Park. Goals from Danielle Carty and Charlene Moreton securing a 2-0 win for Dunstable to send them through to the semi-finals.
The semi-final draw for the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup is as follows :-
Luton Town Ladies v ADC Dunstable Ladies
Bedford Ladies v Houghton Athletic Ladies or Luton Town Ladies Development
Both games scheduled to be played Sunday 18th Febraury.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
One game played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One this Sunday with 3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies playing their 1st game of 2018 at home to bottom side Watton Ladies. Both Laurie Marris and Laura Cousins getting 2 goals each in the 1st half before going on to complete their hat-tricks in the 2nd. Manjinder Atwal also on target in the 2nd half with Sherrardswood running out 7-2 winners, moving them 5 points behind 2nd placed Northwood Ladies with 2 games in hand.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
It was 3rd v 4th in Beds & Herts Division Two on Sunday with Royston Town Ladies Reserves away to Hitchin Town Ladies. It was the hosts who opened the scoring Jessica McNamara putting them 1-0 on 11 minutes. Just past the half hour Royston came right back into the match equalising then going into the lead just 3 minutes later scoring from two free-kicks, Grace Leslie and Harriet Smith the scorers. Hitchin were quick to reply however the lead lasting just 4 minutes as Emma Chaffey got it back to 2-2. That the half-time score. One the hour Hitchin retook the lead Dani Friel scoring. The 3 points made safe 2 minutes from time Megan Franklin scoring from 30 yards to make it 4-2 the 3 points enough to move Hitchin above Royston into 3rd on goal difference.
Evergreen Eagles also move up a place in the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two table after winning at home on Sunday going above opponents Hitchin Belles into 6th. Samantha Takis putting Evergreen 1-0 on 20 minutes it was 2-0 2 minutes later Samantha Feeney getting the goal. Holly Williams making it 3-0 on the half hour. Abbey Williams extending the lead 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Takis scoring her 2nd of the game 20 minutes from time to seal a 5-0 victory.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, 2nd placed Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies cut the gap to leaders Bedford Ladies Development to 5 points with a comfortable home win on Sunday. Taking on Shefford Town & Campton Ladies the winning margin 6-0. Sophia Pidgeon scoring all 6 of Wheathamstead’s goals moving her on to 24 goals from 10 appearances. Wheathamstead in good form have 2 games in hand on the leaders.
Also in action on Sunday in Division Three were the bottom two Bedwell Rangers Ladies looking to extend the gap from bottom side Potters Bar United Ladies. Holly Walker scoring in the 10th minute for Bedwell. Jessica Sullivan also getting a goal in the 1st half went on to complete her hat-trick in the 2nd half. Leah Tomlin and Faye Prout also getting a goal each with Bedwell winning the game 6-3 their 3rd win of the season moving them 8 points ahead of Potters Bar United, their goal scorers Carly Gilbey and Mandy Morgan who scored a brace.
3 games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday as leaders Bungay Town Ladies win their 6th straight league game to keep their 5 point lead at the top of the table. On the road taking on mid-table Stalham Town Ladies. Lauren Purling opening the scoring, Samantha Walker scoring her 14th of the season making it 2-0. Walker then missing a penalty Bungay leading 2-0 at the break. The visitors extending their lead early in the 2nd half new signing Abbie Everson making her debut scoring. Nicky Hazell made it 4-0 before Everson found the back of the net for a 2nd time. Emily Leach sent home a 25 yard free-kick to make it 6-0 to the visitors. Walker getting her 2nd of the game with Selina Rowland rounding off the goals to see Bungay win 8-0.
Sprowston Ladies previously leading the Division One table had dropped to 3rd following the withdrawal of Aylsham Ladies. Were at home on Sunday taking on Fakenham Town Ladies. Sprowston holding a comfortable lead in the 1st half going in 3 goals to the good. A closer 2nd half seeing the sides draw 1-1 Sprowston moving 3 points clear of Thorpe United Ladies into 2nd spot in the table. Victoria Leyer, Rebecca Russell, Nicole Smith and Abbi Nobbs scoring the goals for the hosts.
A 2nd league win of the season lifts Gorleston FC Ladies up to 5th place in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. Away to North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday the two sides contesting a goalless 1st half. 2nd half strikes from Samantha Hunn and Molly Sims seeing the visitors claim all 3 points with a 2-1 win.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday with both the Dereham based sides at home suffering different fortunes. Tavern Ladies 3rd in the table close the gap to 2nd placed Beccles Town Ladies to just 2 points with a big win against Gorleston Rangers Ladies. Leading 2-0 at half-time the goals flew in 2nd half as Tavern ran out 12-2 winners. Sophie Fuller top scoring in the match with a double hat-trick. Both Megan Carmichael and Lucy Kean got a brace each with Katie Hart-Copsey and Emily Bell also getting their names on the scoresheet. Zoe Waite and Abigail Bell scoring for Gorleston Rangers.
Toftwood United Ladies were hosting Freethorpe Ladies at Northgate High School on Sunday (my old high school!). Keira Squires scoring twice in the 1st half to give 5th placed Freethorpe a 2-0 lead at the break, Eden Simmonds getting another goal in the 2nd half to secure a 3-0 win Freethorpe’s 3rd of the season moves them into double figures a point behind 4th placed Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies. The game overshadowed however by injury concerns for players from both sides one of Freethorpe’s players suffering a broken leg whilst an ambulance was needed to aid a Toftwood United player suffering from a serious asthma attack. Wishing both the best for a speedy and full recovery.
A big game to start this weeks round-up in the ERWFL Premier Division a clash between the top two in the league with 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies travelling to Essex to play leaders Billericay Town Ladies just a point between the sides. Stacey Fullicks with her 5th goal of the season giving Cambridge City a 1-0 1st half lead. Billericay dug deep and came back in the 2nd half to score twice to win the game 2-1 and move 4 points clear at the top. Paris Smith with her 21st and 22nd goals of the season seeing the 3 points won.
Bedford Ladies ha suffered 3 straight defeats in the league before heading into Sunday’s home game against Brentwood Town Ladies who had been one of the sides to beat them 1-0 in the reverse fixture 2 weeks ago. Dropping down to 7th in the table a different story this time around as Bedford returned to winning ways. Goals from Hannah Bodily, Maya Sidhu and Carissa Kaczorowski securing a 3-0 win for the hosts that moves them up two places in Premier Division table into 5th above Brentwood and AFC Dunstable Ladies.
Elsewhere it was a clash between the bottom two with Colney Heath Ladies hosting the side immediately above them AFC Sudbury Ladies. Colney Heath looking to close the 5 point gap. It was the visitors from Suffolk who were leading at half-time Megan Partridge top scorer moving onto 12 goals netting the goal. Colney Heath had chances 2nd half but Sudbury kept them at bay whilst unable to extend their lead late into the game Colney Heath found a levelling goal Holly Sheridan making it 1-1. Five minutes from time the hosts conceded a penalty kick, striker Stacey Teager stepping up to take put the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to win the game 2-1 the 3 points pulling Sudbury well clear of the bottom up a place into 8th.
ERWFL Division One North
Wymondham Town Ladies 3rd in ERWFL Division One North were at home on Sunday taking on the league leaders and fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies for the 1st time this season the gap between the sides 8 points going into the game Wymondham however with plenty of games in hand and undefeated in the league, King’s Lynn themselves losing just the once in the league. Wymondham opened the scoring early in the game with Kristen Hummel heading home from a 6th minute corner to make it 1-0 her 1st goal for Wymondham. Mollie O Callaghan making it 2-0 before 15 minutes were completed. Wymondham went further in front as they were awarded a penalty in the 36 minute top scorer Laura Nicholls stepping up to score. Nadine Basson making it 4-0 3 minutes later with her 16th goal of the season. The half-time lead 5-0 as King’s Lynn gave away another penalty at the end Nicholls once again putting the ball into the back of the net.
Laura Nicholls
King’s Lynn’s woes continued early in the 2nd half as they conceded and own goal to see Wymondham extend the lead to 6-0. Brooke Moreno struck from distance to make it 7-0 before substitute Hannah Waters scored to make it 8-0. 15 minutes left and King’s Lynn conceded a 3rd penalty. Nicholls once again the taker putting it away for her hat-trick from the spot taking her to 32 goals for the season. The win moving Wymondham into 2nd place 5 points behind King’s Lynn with 3 games in hand.
Ipswich Wanderers Ladies were 2nd in ERWFL Division One going into Sunday’s matches. Had an away trip to Cambridge United WFC Reserves. The visitors losing out in a close game as Cambridge edged the result 3-2 to take all 3 points and climb back into 4th place in the table. Goals from Ellen Green, captain Ebony Rule and Liz Pamplin securing the win. Jade Horne and Tanya McKew on target for Ipswich Wanderers.
ERWFL Division One South
Two games played in ERWFL Division One South this Sunday, 3rd placed Harlow Town Ladies were up the road away to Bishops Stortford Ladies 5th in the table. The visitors winning their 5th league game of the season with Tayla Handscomb scoring twice for Harlow. There were goals too for Lily Bruno, Karys Paton, Abbey Dell and Chloe Bassett in a 6-0. The home side reduced to 10 in the game with Faye Callaway shown 2 yellow cards.
4th placed Hutton Ladies also won on Sunday at home to bottom side Hertford Town Ladies. Goals from Laura Allen, Danielle Cliffe, Amy Crumpler, Kaitlin Sugg and Katie Lowen securing a comfortable 5-0 win.
A much better weekend weather wise this time around after last Sunday saw all the FAWPL games across the Southern & South East Division One called off. Still a couple of games not making it this time around in the South with Chichester City Ladies and Lewes FC Women postponing their league fixtures.
Leaders Charlton Athletic Women extended the gap at the top to 5 points with a large away win against bottom side Swindon Town Ladies. Top scorer Charlotte Gurr scoring as early as the 2nd minute for the visitors a 35 yard strike from Charley Clifford seeing Charlton 2-0 within 10 minutes. Gurr added another midway through the 1st half with an own goal 2 minutes from time seeing Charlton lead 4-0 at half-time. On the hour Charlton were awarded a penalty kick Gurr stepping up to score and complete her hat-trick. 5-0 the lead going into the last 10 minutes of the game Charlton finishing strongly, new signing, Olivia Lukasewich scoring a goal on her debut for the club. Georgia Griffin making it 7-0 on 83. Gurr scoring her 4th of the game her 27th so far this season in the last minute. Time in injury time for one more goal Kit Graham on target for her 21st goal of the season in a 9-0 win.
The big game of the weekend however was between 2nd placed Crystal Palace Ladies away to 3rd placed C&K Basildon Ladies to gap 3 points. Basildon with a 100% record at Canvey Island are a tough side to play, Angela Addison with her 16th goal of the season giving the hosts a 1-0 1st half lead. Further chances 2nd half for both sides but defences came out on top Basildon claiming the 3 points to move level on points with Crystal Palace with a game in hand.
Elsewhere it was 8th versus 9th as West Ham United Ladies headed across to Wales to take on Cardiff City Ladies. Goals from Rosie Kmita and Ellie Zoepfl seeing the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Kmita scoring again early in the 2nd half to put West Ham into a 3-0 lead. A crazy 15 minute spell then saw a further 5 goals scored followed Kelly Weathall putting West Ham 4-0 up, Cardiff hitting back to make it 4-1 Kelly Issac scoring. Zoepfl scored her 2nd of the game to restore West Ham’s 4 goal cushion before Estelle Randall scored for the hosts to make it 5-2. Chloe Gurr recently introduced from the subs bench finding the back of the net to seal a 6-2 win for the visitors the 3 points taking them into 8th above Cardiff.
FAWPL Cup
One game left to play in the last 16 of the FAWPL Cup. After 3 previous postponements due to the weather it was finally game on between South East Division One side Cambridge United WFC at home to Southern Division side, Coventry United Ladies. A tough test for Cambridge, Coventry coming into the game off the back of 6 straight wins in league and cup. It was the visitors who started the stronger putting Cambridge under immediate pressure resulting in a early goal Alison Hall heading in a Marie Gauntlett cross in the 9th minute. Coventry had chances to go further ahead but some excellent saves from on loan goalkeeper Shayla Burgess kept the score down to 1-0 at the break.
2 goals for Coventry United Ladies, Jade Brook
A chance for Cambridge to regroup, Coventry started the 2nd half just as strong as the 1st doubling their lead early on with Jade Brook sending the ball home to make it 2-0. On the hour mark Natalie Haigh up from the back powered the ball home from a header to make it 3-0. With Cambridge pushing up the field in the latter stages of the game the visitors them on the counter the ball played forwards Burgess racing out of her box to head the bouncing ball away can only put it into the path of the advancing Brook, 40 yards out goes for the lob the ball finding it’s way over the line for her 2nd of the game. 2nd half substitute Jessica Lundie scoring in stoppage time to secure a 5-0 and an away trip to Plymouth Argyle Ladies in the quarter finals.
FAWPL South East Division One
3 games played in FAWPL South East Division One this weekend. League leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies winning their 12th game of the season to maintain their 5 point lead at the top of the table. A home on Sunday playing Enfield Town Ladies the score was 0-0 at half-time. Wimbledon opening the scoring early in the 2nd half a minute played Laura Quinn-Low making it 1-0, 10 minutes later Quinn-Low netted her 2nd of the game to extend Wimbledon’s lead. Enfield pulling it back to 2-1 with 3 minutes left to play Katherine Long on target the hosts holding on for the win.
It was 2nd versus 4th in South East Division One on Sunday with Leyton Orient WFC hosting Ipswich Town Ladies. Top scorer Sophie Le Marchand scoring in the 1st half to give the hosts the lead. Ipswich levelling the scores 4 minutes before the half-time whistle their top scorer, Natasha Thomas scoring the goal. A close contest the winning goal coming on the hour Le Marchand with her 19th goal of the season securing a 2-1 win for Leyton Orient moving them 4 points clear of 3rd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies and putting a big dent into Ipswich’s own title ambitions in the process.
A huge game at the bottom of the table with the bottom 2 meeting each other on Sunday. Haringey Borough Women still looking for their 1st point at this level hosting Norwich City Ladies who themselves have just the 4 points on the board knowing 3 points were a must if they have any home of catching the sides above them. Vivian Moyo with the goal 10 minutes from half-time to see Norwich hold a narrow advantage at the break. Turning out to be crucial as Haringey scored 3 goals in the 2nd half, Julia Carruthers netting a brace along with a goal for Jonea Peter. Norwich also finding the back of the net for 3 goals themselves in a dramatic 2nd period, Moyo with her 2nd of the match. Sasha Diston getting a goal on 70 minutes with Chelsea Garrett scoring with 7 minutes left to win it 4-3 for Norwich moving them onto 7 points.
Finally after 4 attempts it’s GAME ON! Originally scheduled for December 10th last year Cambridge United WFC finally meet Coventry United Ladies in the last 16 of the FAWPL Cup.
The good old British weather putting pay to this fixture 3 times! Along with the Christmas break and Coventry United Ladies playing in both the FA Women’s Cup and County Cup has seen this game long delayed. Better weather at last this Sunday at Mildenhall Town FC as these two sides play for a place in the quarter finals of the FAWPL Cup an away trip to in form South West Division One side Plymouth Argyle Ladies waiting.
A test for Cambridge United WFC 6th in FAWPL South East Division One taking on higher league opponents this afternoon. A Determining Round played at the start of the season the winning sides entering the Cup competition Cambridge United WFC went on to beat fellow league side Enfield Town Ladies 2-0 to reach the 2nd Round. Manager Steve Edwards leaving the club after 4 years in charge of the 1st team since then. Reserves and former 1st team manager Kevin Hoover taking over whilst the club look for a successor.
Coventry United Ladies looking as strong as ever at the start of 2018, 5th in the FAWPL Southern Division but with games in hand on the leading pair Charlton Athletic Women and Crystal Palace Ladies whilst still in contention in 3 cup competition’s the County, FAWPL and FA Women’s Cups. FAWPL Plate winners 2 season’s ago are unbeaten in 6 matches in both league and cup going into today’s tie.
Mildenhall Town FC the venue for today’s game like many others across the country has seen it’s far share of water these past few weeks, despite that looks once again in great condition if not quite a dried out as preferred this is the 52nd match to be played upon it so far this season. A sloping pitch from one goalmouth to the other, the sun bright in the sky beginning to fall behind one end. Positively tropical conditions as a pose to the freezing monsoon I endured during last weekends game, bright and sunny a strong breeze blowing across the pitch as the two sides emerged from the dressing room ready to go.
Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Shayla Burgess, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Bright (C), Charlotte Crisp, Amber Cantwell, Amy Howlett, Faith Hewitt, Lauren Cartwright & Kelley Blanchflower. Subs – Laura Baker, Lauren Gibson & Gabrielle Whitehurst.
Coventry United Ladies starting XI – Susan Wood (C), Alexandra Buck, Nikki Miles, Natalie Haigh, Maisie Jerrim, Laura Cooper, Helen Dermody, Jade Brook, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall. Subs – Elizabeth Steele, Jessica Lundie, Lucy Stead & Rosie McDonnell.
Good to see Carrie Bennett back in the starting line-up for Cambridge after suffering a nasty dislocated elbow on the final day of last season. Up front Kelley Blanchflower leads the line for the home side having been out for a period too with injury. For Coventry United Ladies, Nikki Miles is making her 130th appearance today. Cambridge wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks to kick-off the first half the sun in their faces with Coventry wearing red shirts with green shorts and socks attacking up the slope.
The visitors press the ball right from the off Laura Cooper winning it in the middle the ball played out to Amber Hughes on the right her ball in cleared by the Cambridge defence. Maisie Jerrim takes a knock for Coventry as she goes up for the ball with Kelley Blanchflower as Cambridge play the ball long up towards her 25 yards from goal, going after the ball Blanchflower wins a free-kick central for Cambridge play stopped so Jerrim can receive treatment. Off the field Cambridge captain, Laura Bright comes forwards to take the free-kick around 25 yards from goal floats the ball in towards the far post players attack the ball, Coventry winning the header the ball clearing the area comes back to Bright she shifts it and shoots her effort wide of goal.
Amber Cantwell, attacking for Cambridge United WFC
Jerrim returns to the field for Coventry, Helen Dermody with the ball in the middle plays it on for Jade Brook ahead of her, Brook passes it on for Alison Hall at the top of the box right side puts a cross into the middle, Bright intercepts clearing for Cambridge. Coventry have started well players forwards, a shot comes in from distance, Shayla Burgess on loan from Watford in the Cambridge goal makes a very good save getting up to tip the ball up over her crossbar. The resulting corner played in from the right a good delivery from Dermody across the face of goal is headed clear by Bright for Cambridge.
GOAL! Coventry’s good start brings an early goal as they open the scoring in the 9th minute. Possession with Marie Gauntlett on the left side powers her way up the line holding off her marker whips in a great cross towards the near post, Hall arriving on cue to head the ball in across the keeper to make it 0-1.
Alison Hall scores the opening goal of the game for Coventry United Ladies
Brave goalkeeping from Burgess soon after prevents Coventry from doubling their lead regaining the ball from the restart push players forwards a good diagonal ball along the ground finds Hughes getting into the box behind the Cambridge defence, Burgess reacting quickly to slide in a smother the ball at the attackers feet. Hughes finding room out wide right again cuts inside sees her shot blocked by Bennett from outside the area.
A strong midfield run from Brook as Coventry come forwards again a corner won on the right another good delivery from Dermody into the six yard box, the ball attacked and headed down towards goal, Burgess from close range making a fantastic double save, stopping the initial effort then blocking the rebound. The home side under pressure early on. Coventry have another corner right side this effort caught up in the breeze dropping near post defended by Cambridge out of the area dropping to Cooper 20 yards out puts her foot through the ball her effort blocked.
Cambridge are struggling to settle early on find any meaningful possession as Coventry quickly move the ball around. Little for Blanchflower to work with up top the striker knocking the ball on as both Lauren Cartwright and Cantwell get beyond her into the box look to pressure Coventry, goalkeeper and captain Susan Wood able to kick the ball clear. Brook carries the ball forwards for Coventry getting a shot away from 25 yards out her low strike gathered cleanly by Burgess.
Kayleigh-Anne Burt bringing the ball on for Cambridge United WFC
Jerrim intercepts the ball at the back for Coventry as Blanchflower looks to square a cross from the left along the top of the area, up field for Dermody she tries to release Alexandra Buck on the right the full back fouling Hewitt as she tries to get around her. Not long before Coventry have the ball again moving it on Hall on the right swings a cross into the box, Kayleigh-Anne Burt winning it for Cambridge.
Dermody starts and finishes another attacking move for Coventry bringing the ball up into the Cambridge half plays it out wide for Hughes on the move on the right wing her cut back along the top of the area met by Gauntlett who sends the ball on for Dermody continuing her run pulls the trigger her shot straight at Burgess the keeper holding onto the ball.
Half an hour played and Cambridge have a great chance to pull it back to 1-1 Blanchflower putting pressure on the Coventry defence races onto the ball inside the box left of goal closing down Wood looks to lift the ball over the keeper sees her effort kiss the crossbar ad run out of play. Cambridge opportunities are restricted however as Coventry continue to press players forwards keeping Blanchflower isolated. Between the Bennett and Hewitt stop Hughes on the right getting a cross into the area. Cleared the ball soon comes back an early cross in from the right cleared by Burt at the near post.
Cambridge United WFC’s, Kelley Blanchflower
A free-kick for Cambridge wide left on halfway as Amy Howlett is brought down. Bright on the ball a good delivery up towards Blanchflower at the top of the area, seeing the ball down across her body intends to turn and take it on into the area, Natalie Haigh reads her intentions and not getting too close comes across to put in the tackle. A free-kick up the other end in a dangerous position outside the D for Coventry as Brook is brought down. Cooper over the ball gets her shot in past the wall heading for goal Burgess shuffling across quickly is able to get her gloves on the ball push it away.
Cambridge United WFC’s, Charlotte Crisp
Gauntlett on the ball for Coventry coming inside to receive the ball from the left splits the Cambridge defence with a great pass as Hall through the middle beats the offside trap, Burgess with a good starting position however is quickly out of her area to win the kick and clear for the hosts. Late into the 1st half Cambridge get the ball forwards Blanchflower taking it down into the left corner the ball played back up towards the top of the area Charlotte Crisp with the header down looking to put the ball into the path of Cartwright inside the box, the Coventry defence getting in front of her to shield the ball back to Wood. One last attack in the 1st half for Coventry Brook with the strike from 20 yards out sees her effort charged down by Burt.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Coventry United Ladies
A strong performance from Coventry in the 1st half. With much of the possession and certainly more chances they will be disappointed not to be leading by a larger margin. Conceding an early goal the game threatened to get away from Cambridge, some excellent goalkeeping from Burgess keeping the score down at 1-0 Cambridge are still very much in the tie however will need to have a much better 2nd half and find some meaningful possession on the ball having not settled at all in the 1st half.
No changes for either side at the start of the 2nd half, Cambridge with the kick-off as Coventry attack down the slope the sun settled lower in the sky. Coventry come forwards the ball played up to Hall on the right is clattered into going to head the ball is left in a heap as play goes on the ball taken down the line swung into the box claimed by Burgess at her near post. Hall is back up on her feet.
Coventry United Ladies, Amber Hughes
Cooper with the diagonal ball to pick out Hughes making an attacking run down the right taking the ball on plays her cross in long to the far post attacked the header is narrowly over, either way play is stopped by an offside flag. Gauntlett running with the ball central lets fly from all of 35 yards out her strike sailing over the crossbar. Hall flings her arms up in the air inside the box wanting a penalty for Coventry as the ball into her is intercepted, the referee not interested.
GOAL! As with the 1st half, Coventry score early to double their advantage in the 2nd. Play is over on the left side of the pitch as Coventry build an attack the cross played on towards the area Brook getting to the ball before Burgess can come to clear knocked past the keeper a defender attempts to get back to clear the ball but in vain as it rolls into the back of the net 0-2.
A change for the visitors Jerrim comes off at the back with Rosie McDonnell coming on. Going in on the left side of defence Miles moves forwards into an advanced position on the right, Hughes coming over to the left. Buck defends well against Blanchflower at the back for Coventry as Cambridge send the ball long for her to attack. Setting up a counter attack the ball helped on by Cooper is picked up by Hall 25 yards out hits a venomous shot in towards goal from 25 yards out the ball skimming the top of the crossbar. Burt clears with her head for Cambridge as Coventry get the ball in from the right wing.
Laura Cooper on the ball in midfield for Coventry United Ladies
A good tempo to the game Coventry continuing to push players forwards a few strong challenges coming in. A corner right side for the visitors flung in near post a crowd up to attack the ball put wide of the post a goal kick the end result.
GOAL! Coventry extend their lead 15 minutes into the 2nd half players up for a corner taken by Dermody on the right the ball cleared out to the left side, Coventry keep possession Cooper with the ball puts in a fantastic cross from the left up jump Haigh in the middle of the box to power her header into the back of the net, Burgess no chance to react 0-3.
Natalie Haigh makes it 3-0 to Coventry United Ladies
Cambridge make their 1st change of the game, Laura Baker coming on for Cartwright. Good link up play between Miles and Hughes on the right the latter putting her cross wide beyond the far post. Baker with a strong tackle stops Gauntlett as the Coventry attacker looks to push on through the centre. Coventry have the ball in the back of the net but are denied a 4th goal by the offside flag following good build up play from Cooper out to Miles on the right the ball squared into the area Gauntlett running onto it puts the ball in just inside the post only for the effort to be ruled out.
Coventry’s Cooper and Cambridge’s Crisp challenge for the ball
Blanchflower is taken down by Buck as she looks to bring the ball on into the Coventry half the set-piece in a central position Cantwell over it looks to lift the ball up into the box to be attack, runners closing Wood down she claims comfortably. A 2nd change for Coventry up top Jessica Lundie comes on to replace Hall in attack.
A brilliant save from Wood prevents Cambridge from pulling a goal back as the ball is played up field into the box the clearance runs straight along the ground into the path of the advancing Baker 25 yards out she hits it straight back in towards goal racing for the bottom corner Wood dives full stretch to her right to push the ball behind her goal. From the resulting corner on the left side it’s Brook who gets her head on the ball to clear for Coventry.Gauntlett passes the ball inside for Dermody to her left 25 yards out central her 1st time shot is charged down inside the box.
GOAL! Cambridge have pushed up as they look to get players forwards are hit on the counter the ball cleared back up field Burgess comes racing out of her area to try and win the bouncing ball getting her head on it fall straight into Brook breaking forwards 40 yards out knowing there is a open goal lobs the stranded keeper sees the ball bounce down over the line 0-4.
Coventry United Ladies, Jade Brook
Coventry keep coming forwards putting Cambridge under constant pressure, Miles demanding the ball on the right getting onto space linking up well with Brook. Dermody comes close yet again with another strike from distance central her shot striking the crossbar. A free-kick giving Cambridge a chance to get the ball forwards, Bright’s ball is headed on by Baker into Blanchflower looking to turn into the box is again closely watched by Haigh.
Coventry United Ladies, Helen Dermody
Not long left to play now Coventry make their final change Elizabeth Steele coming on to replace Hughes. Cantwell breaks forwards for Cambridge the ball in for Hewitt up the left wing her cross into the box looping up is over Blanchflower making a central run, Coventry clear.
GOAL! Into injury time at the end of the game and Coventry score again, substitute Lundie putting the ball past Burgess from the left inside the box as she receives it from Gauntlett attacking down the right 0-5.
Coventry finish the game as strongly as they started it pressing numbers forwards to the final whistle winning the game 0-5 to set up an FAWPL Cup quarter final away to Plymouth Argyle Ladies. The tie scheduled for Sun 11th February.
Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-5 Coventry United Ladies
A dominant performance from the visitors today. Coventry getting off to a great start and keep up a superb all round team performance all game. Getting players forwards good runs on and off the ball causing Cambridge problems and cool at the back when their opponents were able to get forwards.
One of those days for Cambridge never really got into the match early on as Coventry prevented them getting forwards, Blanchflower having little to feed on up top. Still keeping the score down to 1-0 in the first half gave them hope of getting back into it 2nd half ultimately not to be as their cup run is over. On to the next game.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Interesting one today for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match always a tough choice when you have such a good all round team performance Coventry were strong all over the pitch but particularly in midfield where their attacks often began Gauntlett and Hughes providing good runs left and right, Cooper and Dermody finding them on a regular basis, have all just been edged out by Jade Brook who made some purposeful runs forwards aswell as getting on the scoresheet twice making her today’s Player of the Match.
It’s nice to not feel like a block of ice after a game, roll on summer, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance today is always appreciated.
It was another weekend of disruption to the fixture lists across the East with more bad weather seeing a huge chunk of the scheduled games called off, a complete wipe out the the FAWPL in the Southern, South East Division One and FAWPL Cup. A handful of fixtures surviving elsewhere as a wet Saturday was followed by freezing conditions on Sunday morning turning to snow, sleet and rain unpleasant playing conditions for those fixtures that did get played 13 in all so it’s another all inclusive edition of The Round-Up this week.
ERWFL
Two games managed to beat the weather in the ERWFL this Sunday both in Norfolk. In the ERWFL Premier Division, Acle United Ladies were glad just to be playing again after a 7 week period of inactivity through a combination of postponed cup fixtures and teams then unable to field a side. Playing at The Flegg FDC the all weather pitch playable Acle were hosting bottom side Colney Heath Ladies knowing a win would lift them from 5th into 3rd position in the Premier Division table. The hosts taking an early lead, midfielder Laura Holden making it 1-0 in the 9th minute. Had more chances to extend the lead 1st half Colney Heath keeping them at bay until late on in the 44th minute as top scorer Megan Todd made it 2-0 with her 14th goal of the season. Colney Heath were quick to respond getting a goal in 1st half injury time to head into the dressing room 2-1 down, Nicola Hollick with the goal. More chances in the 2nd half but the goals weren’t breached again Acle claiming the 3 points with a narrow win. A game in hand on both 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies and leaders Billericay Town Ladies with the points gap 4 and 5 respectfully.
Cambridge United WFC Reserves travelled to Norfolk on Sunday to take on Wymondham Town Ladies at King’s Head Meadow the home side 3rd place in the table playing just their 8th league game of the season looking to close down the leading pair Ipswich Wanderers Ladies and King’s Lynn Town Ladies. In a rich vein of goal scoring form Wymondham have scored 27 goals in their last 3 league and cup games alone and got off to a blistering start against Cambridge going 3-0 up inside the opening 7 minutes! Kayleigh Holloway setting thing’s rolling with Wymondham’s 1st goal after 4 minutes quickly followed by a goal each for youngsters, Laura Nicholls and Mollie O’Callaghan. Things threatening to get away from Cambridge the visitors galvanised and kept Wymondham from going further in front. 3-0 at half-time it wasn’t until 2 minutes from time before Cambridge conceded again with Nicholls now 1 goal away from taking her tally to 30 so far for the season making it 4-0. The win moves Wymondham to within a point of 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers who have played 6 games more.
Norfolk
A piece of sad news to bring you from Norfolk before we get into the weekends match action. Aylsham Ladies have withdrawn from the league having struggled to field a side this season. A real shame such a prominent member of women’s football in Norfolk in recent season’s certainly in the short history of the SWF Blog and Women’s Football East have some fond memories their 4-3 against Bungay Town Ladies a thrill to watch. Division One Champions too, a County Cup Final appearance aswell as winning the League Cup with 2 last gasp goals. Wishing everyone involved with the club all the best for the future and hopefully one day we will see Aylsham back in the NWGFL.
Aylsham Ladies winning the League Cup in 2016
The withdrawal of Aylsham from the league sees their results expunged from Norfolk Women’s Division One meaning a change at the top with Bungay Town Ladies taking over from Sprowston Ladies who drop to 3rd place in the table. The two sides scheduled to meet in the league this Sunday the pitch at Malting’s Meadow in Bungay passing a late inspection. Bungay Town Ladies are in great form their only loss in the league coming back at the start of October visitors Sprowston are themselves unbeaten in the league going into the match. Emily Leach putting Bungay into the lead in the 1st half Sprowston drew level from the penalty spot. Bungay went on to retake the lead a goal from Selina Rowland putting them 2-1 up at half-time. The home side further extending their lead in the 2nd half with Nicola Hazell scoring along with Leach getting her 2nd to make it 4-1. Sprowston struck late on to reduce the deficit losing for the 1st time this season in the league 4-2 the 3 points taking Bungay 5 points clear at the top of the Division One table.
One game played in Division Two this Sunday with leaders FC Sprowston Ladies extending their lead at the top of the table to 6 points. Awarded an away win from a game in December came into the match at home to 2nd bottom Toftwood United Ladies looking to extend their 100% to 9 matches. Scoring plenty of goals in the process too, Charlie Head recently signed scoring 5 goals in the match, elsewhere the goals were spread out amongst Katie Fray, Tammy Graves, Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Read and Rosie Wickenden in an 11-0 win.
Cambridgeshire
One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday and that was where Women’s Football East headed knowing the all weather pitch at The Ridgeon’s Stadium in Newmarket might hold up better than others. Passed inspection it was nevertheless a horrid and bitterly cold day with Newmarket Town Ladies 3rd in the table taking on 4th placed Cambridge City Ladies Development. Newmarket started the better of the 2 sides pressing Cambridge for the ball pushing forwards opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes Antonia Smith on hand inside the box to put the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Abbi Griffin just 18 years old making her 50th appearance for Newmarket this Sunday celebrated with a goal to make it 2-0. Jordanne Sillitoe making the lead 3-0 at half-time.
Into the 2nd half and Newmarket extended their lead going 4-0 with Jess Linger putting home a free-kick from outside the box. Cambridge were better 2nd half getting the ball higher up the pitch and a headed goal from Rachel Littlewood pulled it back to 4-1. The win lifting Newmarket above St Ives Town Ladies into 2nd spot in the table with games in hand on leaders Netherton United Ladies.
Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire it was the beginning of their County Cup competition the Women’s Invitation Cup. 2 ties beating the weather, ERWFL Premier Division side playing on 3G hosting Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies. It was the lower league side who struck 1st blood Lorna Hart putting ICA Sports 1-0 up before Cambridge City went on to equalise and go on to win the game 5-1. Bella Simmons netting 4 goals in the match with 16 year old Anna Kanz scoring her 1st goal for the senior team.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies were at home in the Invitation Cup taking on Championship South side, Cambridge Rangers Women. Goals from Stephanie Ransome, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Amy Seymour-Shove and Georgia Stancombe seeing St Ives Town progress with a 4-1 win.
Essex
In Essex it was quarter finals weekend in the Women’s County Cup 3 games to be played with holders C&K Basildon Ladies receiving a home walkover following the folding of Colchester Town Ladies. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies game at home to Corringham Cosmos was postponed. That left 2 quarter finals to be played in less than pleasant conditions.
Harlow Town Ladies from ERWFL Division One South were taking on Premier Division side Writtle Ladies at the Harlow Arena. A goal in each half from Hannah Mold and Sophie Vale seeing Writtle through to the semi-finals.
2-0 was also the winning margin in the other Essex Women’s County Cup semi-final an all ERWFL Premier Division clash this one with two in form and local rivals locking horns once again, Billericay Town Ladies hosting Brentwood Town Ladies. A brace from Georgia Holdaway seeing the visitors progress the the semi-finals Brentwood with the 2-0 win.
Was also quarter finals weekend in the Essex Women’s Trophy competition however just 1 of the 4 ties beat the weather with Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers at home to ERWFL Division One South side, Hutton Ladies. The higher league side progressing to the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win goals from Hayley Critchell and Rianne Dimmock enough to see Hutton through despite Laura Bunton scoring for Collier Row Tigers.
There was also some league action in Essex albeit restricted due to the weather in the Essex Women’s Premier Division, Lawford Ladies move back into 3rd position in the table with a 5-0 win at home to Eastern Avenue on Sunday. Jasmine Cox scoring twice with a goal each for Daisy Canny, Tyler Christou and Claire Gauntlett.
One game also on in Essex Women’s Division One and a big win away from home for Hullbridge Sports Ladies sees them return back to the top of the table with their 10th straight league win. Taking on FC Clacton Ladies, top scorers Broghan Kelly added another 5 goals to her season’s tally with a brace each for Patricia McWeeney and Christina Fragnito. With Sophie Fraser, Karley Hunt and Julia Setford all getting a goal each in a 12-1 win.
Beds & Herts
Just the one game to bring you from Beds & Herts in Division One 2nd placed Northwood Ladies moving to within 2 points of leaders St Albans Ladies with a big home win over bottom club Watton Ladies on Sunday. 3 players scoring a brace for Northwood Leanne Jones, Scarlett Keightley and Francesca Webster, there were goals to for Zamina Rehemtulla, Aliyah Ahmed and Emma Steele in a 9-0 win.
Having seen no live action last weekend I was keen to get a game in this Sunday, the weather forecast however meant that was likely to be a challenge. Had a game in mind that I was pretty sure would beat the weather over others and held out as the games started to fall one by one. Hit the road heading to Newmarket hoping to see the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership game between Newmarket Town Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies Development.
Over night rain followed by freezing conditions with snow and sleet preceding rain for Sunday afternoon a pretty gloomy forecast a pitch inspection at The Ridgeons Stadium at 1:15pm saw a light dusting of snow covering the pitch but okay to play an all weather surface state of the art cork based it was in good shape. More importantly the ground provided cover for spectators. Game on. I was a bit early for kick-off as I didn’t know it had been put back to 3pm but seeing’s as I’d written zero pre-match notes this wasn’t time wasted.
Netherton United Ladies currently lead the way in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership the Peterborough based side getting off to a great start winning their 1st 7 matches, have 27 points from 11 games played in total. 2 defeats giving hope to those chasing who all have games in hand 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies who can overhaul Netherton yet should they win their 4 games in hand having played 7. So to have today’s opponents Newmarket Town Ladies in 3rd place at home to 4th placed Cambridge City Ladies Development.
Newmarket Town Ladies are on 16 points from their 7 played having won 5 with a draw and a loss so far in this campaign, amongst the front runners to challenge for the title this season a run in the FA Women’s Cup playing a factor in the number of league matches they have yet to play. A busy 2nd half to the season looms are in the quarter finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and have reached the League Cup semi-finals too. Like St Ives Town they can catch Netherton if they collect maximum points from their games in hand. A win today moves them into 2nd position in the table.
Cambridge City Ladies Development are into their 2nd season having won promotion to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership in their debut season with the Championship South title. A strong youth set up at Cambridge City the 1st team currently 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division the Development side has several players setting up into adult football from youth level aged 16. Like Newmarket have played just the 7 league games so far with 3 defeats and 4 victories to date the latest last weekend seeing them come back from 3-2 down against Cambridge University Women to win the match 6-3, with 16 year old Yasmin Crow scoring her 1st senior hat-trick.
The Ridgeons Stadium the venue for today’s match, as mentioned earlier boasting a state of the art artificial playing surface. A clubhouse (a warm one too) hot drinks and food available. A small seated mainstand covered along with further covering in front of the clubhouse along side the pitch. Still out in the elements a bitterly cold day, the snow stopping before kick-off a bit of rain in the air with a biting wind that would grow stronger as the afternoon progressed. Good job I love the game or I’d have stayed at home.
Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Jenny Jamieson, Tegan Wyman, Eline Sorbye, Ellie Todd, Gemma Clare (C), Kayleigh Whitehead, Rachel Pearce, Molly White, Lucy Hurst, Yasmin Crow & Ellie Cullum. Subs – Aneila Luxford, Erin Fox, Rachel Littlewood, Amy Ozakpinar & Laura Mills.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It’s Cambridge to kick-off the match wearing white shirts with black upon the shoulders, black shirts and black and white hooped socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow socks. An array of gloves worn too by both sides very cold out there. Despite the earlier snow fall and general wetness the pitch is in great shape no signs at all of players losing their footing. Newmarket press in the middle winning early possession of the ball Chloe Slater with the diagonal ball out to Lauren Deller over on the left wing the ball knocked on down the line she can’t keep it in play.
Jess Linger bringing the ball down for Newmarket Town Ladies
The home side have started the brighter pushing forwards Jordanne Sillitoe up front moving into space on the right receiving the ball whips a cross in along the face of goal from the byline is headed behind for a corner kick at the near post by Cambridge’s Eline Sorbye. The ball played into the area by Newmarket’s Jess Linger is headed back to her coming inside slices her low cross behind for a goal kick. Newmarket have possession on the right inside the Cambridge half a well worked triangle between Sillitoe, Abbi Griffin and Antonia Smith brings the home side a 2nd corner. Put in from the right headed out of the area falls to Chloe Slater 25 yards out Cambridge captain Gemma Clare goes in to block the shot goes wide.
GOAL! An early goal as Newmarket capitalise on their good start going 1-0 in the 7th minute. Pressing the ball high up the pitch the diagonal ball is put out to the left for Deller taking it on whips a great cross in towards the near post Griffin having made the run challenged by a Cambridge defender neither get any meaningful contact on the ball as it drops down inside the box Smith having made a midfield run is up with play first the ball and strikes it low across goal into the bottom corner. 1-0.
Antonia Smith opens the scoring for Newmarket Town Ladies
Newmarket are first to any loose pass and pressing the 2nd ball making it difficult for Cambridge to get out of their own half Laura Bailey with the tackle for Newmarket the ball knocked on picked up by Griffin 30 yards out takes on the strike a lobbed effort that has goalkeeper Jenny Jamieson scrambling across her goal the ball dropping just wide of the top corner. Cambridge look to send the ball long down the left for attacker Ellie Cullum to give chase, Yasmin Woodfield across from centreback for Newmarket to clear the threat putting the ball out for a throw.
Molly White wins the ball in the centre for Cambridge plays an early pass forwards for Yasmin Crow peeling away to the right up top taking the ball on into the box shoots her effort straight into Eloise Hope the goalkeeper back covering her near post claiming the ball. The action quickly switches to the other end the ball played out to Griffin wide right, Sillitoe already on the move into space in behind the Cambridge defence the pass picking her out into the area strikes the ball races wide across the six yard box.
Cambridge captain, Gemma Clare winning the ball ahead of Newmarket’s Jordanne Sillitoe
Clare coming further forwards into the middle wins the ball for Cambridge sending it long drops to Cullum back to goal 25 yards out tries to see the ball down into her box and turn into the strike is closely marked by Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield who prevents any strike the ball spinning loose is played long as Newmarket launch a counter the ball out wide right the cross fired into the area Clare puts her foot through the ball to clear for Cambridge drops straight to Smith just outside the area her first time strike flying over the crossbar.
Hope is quick to come out of her box to clear the ball as White almost ties up Crow again with a good through ball. Kayleigh Whitehead wins the ball plays it on for Crow right side wins the away sides first corner of the game as Yasmin Woodfield puts in the challenge. A brilliant pass from Bailey up the other end for Newmarket the midfielder sliding the ball on into the area with Griffin providing the run Tegan Wyman going with her for Cambridge does well to deny her a shooting opportunity. Sillitoe comes close again as she puts a low shot across the Cambridge goal from the top of the area. A change for Newmarket at the back Yasmin Woodfield coming off Ellie Marshall coming on.
Midfielder Laura Bailey getting into an advanced position as Newmarket push players forwards
Newmarket bring the ball forwards down the right on for Sillitoe to chase down on the byline cuts her cross back along the face of goal evading Jamieson at the near post runs on no one gambling with a far post run, Cambridge can clear their lines. A piece of lax defending from Newmarket presents Cambridge with an opportunity in attack as White runs on through the middle getting hold of the ball, Hope comes racing out to meet her just outside the area going to ground the pair come together enough from the goalkeeper to stop a strike coming in the ball deflected to the right White goes after it plays the cross in Marshall back tracking blocks back to White lifts it over the central defender this time both Cullum and Lucy Hurst coming in from the left inside the six yard box won’t come down for Cullum to get a clean strike away Hurst can put her foot through the shot smashes it straight against Hope who makes a great stop from close range having gotten back into position.
Molly White getting forwards for Cambridge is challenged as she attempts t play the ball into Ellie Cullum
Cambridge make a double switch full backs Wyman and Sorbye coming off with Erin Fox and Aneila Luxford coming on. Whitehead with Pearce bring the ball on for Cambridge, White wanting the ball right side attempts to play it through for Crow, Brooke Wickens getting to the ball ahead of the attacker. Newmarket make a change Cindy Ponder joining the action on the half hour for Deller. Cambridge win the ball from a Hope goal kick the ball knocked on through the middle sees Cullum unmarked 25 yards out the ball coming to her unexpectedly her shot lacks any power is gratefully claimed by Hope.
GOAL! Newmarket double their lead the goalscorer Abbi Griffin the 18 year old making her 50th appearance for the club today. Newmarket bring the ball on with purpose left side played into Griffin in a central position just outside the box left of the D puts a low shot in towards goal, Jamieson diving to her right can’t quite keep the ball out as it squirms under her and on into the back of the net 2-0.
50 appearances and a goal for Newmarket’s Abbi Griffin
GOAL! Newmarket have been quicker to the ball all 1st half and are soon further ahead is another fantastic ball from midfield from Bailey splitting the Cambridge defence Sillitoe timing her run to perfection into the box can pick her spot Jamieson no time to close her down the ball is slotted low to her right to make it 3-0.
Cambridge make another double switch bringing on Rachel Littlewood and Amy Ozakpinar for Todd and White. Cambridge continue to be restricted in attack Newmarket defending a high line confident they can stop any threat getting in behind. Hurst looks to go beyond Cullum left side Linger tackling the winger breaking up the move.
Griffin latches onto the ball from a Cambridge throw in on the the right once again it’s Sillitoe ready to go makes the run into the channel the ball into her feet takes it on into the box closing in on goal, Jamieson has her near post covered and Ozakpinar gets across Sillitoe between them the ball is stopped spinning behind for a late corner. The ball played in towards the top of the area falls to Ponder her shot is straight at Jamieson the keeper with a comfortable save.
Half-timeNewmarket Town Ladies 3-0 Cambridge City Ladies Development
A good first half performance from Newmarket taking a 3-0 lead into the changing rooms, pressing the ball high and winning alot of 2nd balls getting players forwards and as a result limiting Cambridge’s chances going forwards. Difficult conditions to play in the pitch okay but bitterly cold with a biting wind getting stronger.
The sides are soon out for the 2nd half as the floodlights are switched on the gloomy sky starting to darken. Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd period. Cambridge wheeling out the big gun have Laura Mills on the bench plenty of FAWPL experience is dual signed with Cambridge City with Milton Keynes Dons and takes up a midfield role in place of Whitehead. Marshall is off for Newmarket with Ponder dropping into defence. Sarah O’Rourke currently Newmarket’s top scorer with 12 goals is on up top along with Cassandra Carvalheiro and Dominika Szary. Slater, Smith and Griffin the players off. Newmarket get thing’s underway.
An early attack for the home side the ball played deep into the left channel with Sillitoe after it has support from Szary to her left the ball laid back to her plays the cross into the area falls just behind O’Rourke making a run at the far post. Cambridge get the ball forwards long from Pearce out to Littlewood on the left wing her early cross into the area headed clear by Woodfield.
Cambridge’s Rachel Pearce
Picking up the ball 25 yards out from goal Sillitoe jinks left then right knocking the ball on for O’Rourke to her right into the box, Jamieson making the save low at her feet the ball deflected wide O’Rourke after it tries to life the ball over the keeper, Jamieson producing a great save.
GOAL! A more even start however Newmarket go further ahead early in the 2nd half as the home side is awarded a free-kick wide in the right top corner of the area. Linger, Newmarket’s set piece specialist coming forwards to take goes for goal plenty of pace on the all across the area to nestle in the bottom corner 4-0.
Jamieson makes a fantastic stop with her feet to deny Newmarket a 5th goal moments later as possession is lost the home side getting the ball out to O’Rourke on the right her cross from the byline cut back into the area Carvalheiro with the run a good strike from close range Jamieson doing well to stop it. Luxford with the ball right side for Cambridge inside to Crow looks to pick out Fox getting forwards from the left, the through ball intercepted. Mills giving Cambridge a focal point in the midfield they are getting the ball forwards with more purpose and getting players up around her wanting the ball. Newmarket sitting back more have a comfortable lead.
Cambridge’s Erin Fox playing the ball forwards
GOAL! Cambridge pull a goal back on the hour coming forwards the ball played long into the right wing Crow giving chase evades a clumsy challenge in the corner before putting a great all into the six yard box centre of goal Littlewood having moved in from the left is there under the ball close with the keeper a glancing header taking it past her into the back of the net 4-1.
Cambridge come again soon after the restart the ball won at the back up the line Mills helping it on for Crow down the right her early diagonal ball into the box is a threat Hope has two runners closing her down the ball falling favourably in between them she is able to deal with the threat get it away.Newmarket make a change Slater returning to the pitch in place of Szary.
Carvalheiro makes a run across the top of the Cambridge area as the ball is squared into her from the left screws the shot up over the bar. Winning a corner on the left Newmarket bring players forwards the ball is defended near post behind for another corner this delivery aimed near post squeezes through sees a shot come in from inside the six yard box the defender covering the post for Cambridge making the block resulting in a 3rd corner this one taken short with Sillitoe coming for the ball she turns and strikes the ball from outside the box Hurst charging the ball down.
Hurst comes off for Cambridge with Sorbye coming back on with Newmarket winning a corner right side the ball getting through to Sillitoe at the near post her shot blocked by Cullum at close range. A run from Mills on the right side for Cambridge cuts the ball back in field for Pearce coming forwards her looping ball comes for Cullum in a central position outside the area aiming to get the ball down and turn and strike it Newmarket are quickly on her to nullify the danger.
A brave piece of goalkeeping from Jamieson with Newmarket hitting Cambridge on the counter the ball played low through the middle finding Carvalheiro running clear towards the box and one on one situation Jamieson comes rushing out sliding it to smother the ball at the attackers feet just inside the box, is hurt for her efforts but after treatment is okay to continue. Is a more even contest 2nd half Cambridge playing with a little more urgency starting attacks higher up the pitch enabling more players to get forwards. Newmarket defending a 3 goal lead can afford to sit back a little with around 15 minutes left to play.
Very cold out there, Jamieson comes racing out of her area to clear the ball with Sillitoe giving chase as Bailey plays it on. Newmarket push players forwards in the next attack the ball won on the left taken to the byline the cross whipped in across the six yard box dropping at the far post Griffin arriving throws herself at hit making contact with her boot the ball striking the post!
Deller returns to the field for Newmarket in place of O’Rourke. Todd and White are also back on for Cambridge. Bailey with a crossfield run cuts the ball back looking to play it over the top for Deller, Cambridge push up the striker caught offside. A free kick awarded to Cambridge in an inviting position right of the D, Pearce on the ball sends her shot up over the bar.
Bailey moving left with the ball squares her cross along the top of the area the ball cut out by Luxford. Late into the match Crow wide plays a ball into the area from the right Ponder heading it away, the home side counter attack the ball forwards into Bailey a great slide rule past sending Deller in behind, good positioning from Jamieson the keeper able to get out of her area and come to clear the threat before Deller can get hold of the ball.
Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 4-1 Cambridge City Ladies Development
A 4-1win for Newmarket takes them into 2nd position in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership table on 19 points. The game won in the 1st half a dominant performance Newmarket starting the better closing the ball down higher up the pitch players making forward runs to cause Cambridge problems and go 3 goals in front, further extending the lead as Cambridge rallied in the 2nd half playing with much more confidence pulling a goal back a young and talented side that are only going to get better. Newmarket now 8 points behind Netherton with 3 games in hand.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
A good display from Newmarket especially first half getting themselves into a 3 goal lead a few contenders for today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, Griffin and Bailey both doing well, up top it was her runs and movement that caused Cambridge the most problems as well as pulling players out of position capping it off with a goal so have given it to Jordanne Sillitoe.
A credit to the players for braving horrible conditions to play today’s game bitterly cold a ball strike hurting just a little bit more. Played with plenty of energy and in good spirit. Freezing myself took a while to warm up but good to get a game in. My thanks to both clubs for their help today.
